Sad to hear of Bill Oddie’s death (Report, 27 July). He first grabbed my attention in I’m Sorry, I’ll Read That Again, a 1960s radio show with fine comedic talent: John Cleese, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Jo Kendall. Bill’s songs were always witty. I remember going to a recording of the show and watching him grapple with the line “He battled with the rollocks”. To a 14-year-old that was hysterical. As a lifelong depressive, when I heard about Bill’s own battle, I felt sympathy for him and comfort for myself.
Chris House
Hertford
• Regarding the best ice-creams, Lucy Knight awards 5/10 for flavour to the Marmite on toast creation (Scoop of the year!, 28 July). Surely in the case of Marmite, the only appropriate ratings are 10 or zero?
Adrian Brodkin
London
• Regarding Dr Terry Scragg’s letter on obituaries (27 July), one of the most consistent words used to describe the deceased is “generous”. I long to read “stingy git” – or do they never die?
Siobhán Ní Chuanaigh
Dublin, Ireland
• Re the preponderance of deaths after a “short illness”, the great American clown Palfi used to conclude shows by proffering a collection box to the audience, suggesting they contribute to research into the most dangerous of ailments – “natural causes”.
Antony Bellekom
Collingham, Nottinghamshire
• On the mystery of the vanished beef joint, the dog and the missing plate (Letters, 28 July), did Jeanette Hamilton check the dishwasher?
Paul Wright
King’s Lynn, Norfolk
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